Netradyne released findings from a recent online survey of commercial drivers that indicates commercial drivers feel safe but acknowledge they could be safer, and that AI-powered driving technology can be both beneficial and concerning. Conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Netradyne, 350 commercial drivers over the age of 18 were questioned for the survey.  

Results of the survey indicate that when it comes to awareness of distractions, nearly 70% of commercial drivers want better blindspot detection. Commercial drivers are most likely to agree that their peers who transport commercial goods (72%) and passengers (69%) are safe drivers, with drivers of sports cars (38%) and convertibles (26%) to be the least safe.

“Because of the distractions on the road, the long hours, I believe that every vehicle, particularly those in commercial fleets, should have a camera,” said Adam Kahn, president of fleet business at Netradyne. “Technology is proven to have a huge impact on not only making the roads safer for everyone and reducing distracted driving with in-the-moment feedback, but fleets can save money by avoiding the incidents that the human brain can’t always anticipate.”

Key findings on distracted driving and AI from the survey included:

Driving distractions are on the rise

• 81% are concerned that distractions are on the rise.

• Top five distractions for commercial drivers are drinking liquids, events outside the vehicle, looking at a GPS device, adjusting the in-vehicle audio, and adjusting vehicle controls.

• Social media and surfing the net is the most severe distraction, with 71% of commercial drivers finding it distracting.

• Video and FaceTime chatting while driving is considered the second most severe distraction, with 68% of commercial drivers finding it distracting.

• 22% of commercial drivers have been injured in a distracted driving incident.

Negating distracted driving

• 59% of commercial drivers regularly set their GPS before they start the engine.

• 55% regularly prepare all of their music for the entire trip.

Mixed feelings about AI technology indicate it’s misunderstood

• AI appeals to 72% of commercial drivers, who say they are open to feedback at least once a week.

• Commercial drivers use of technology includes hands-free phones (43%), a camera to view the outside of the vehicle (36%), a GPS device (29%), and other assistance that includes lane departure warnings, voice recognition, and automatic braking. 

AI beginning to be recognized as making the roads safer

• More than 50% of commercial drivers feel that smart technologies have had a positive impact on driver safety.

• 23% believe this technology helps them to stay focused when driving.

• 21% believe that it gives them the ability to make more accurate decisions.

• 69% are particularly interested in AI technology that will help them monitor blind spots.

• 68% are interested in information on vehicle maintenance issues.

• 63% are looking for technology to feed them information about the road. 

• 73% of commercial drivers are interested in receiving feedback once a week or more. 

• 40% interested to hear what they do well rather than what they need to improve.

• 44% of commercial drivers prefer a mix of numbers-based feedback and verbal/written coaching.

• 19% prefer a numbers-based feedback report.